Window Seal

[robnchris]

Just noticed whilst sat in rainy North Wales one of our window seals is leaking from the top, can't see any damage to the seal nor anyway to pull the window tighter to the seal.
Any ideas on why this would just start to leak, where can I get a new window seal from?
It's an Autotrail Apache.
Thanks in anticipation of an easy fix. Just watching it leak and closer inspection reveals the water is leaking through were the seal joins the window frame and not the window, so I guess I might be able to peel back the seal from the widow frame and reseal.

 

[Winger]

Bump! Fixed yet?

 

[robnchris]

Looking at the job I suspect it's a window frame out and total re-seal.

 

[Bobbydaisy]

Had an Autotrail Apache 700 , same thing , new windows under warranty luckily ( 2 leaks , one at dining area and one near side rear ) was the fix for it. Loved the Apache great Motorhome, downsized to a PVC now

 

[Bobbydaisy]

Oh forgot the point to my post , check around the window with damp meter if possible, both ours had a degree of damp , the one at the dining area needed replacement internal wall panel , so had been leaking a while , hopefully will be ok for you.

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[62272]

I had a similar issue with my top roof-light window. When I inspected the rubber seal which seals on the outside it had partially lifted (probably intense heat and lack of adhesion. I partially cleaned the gap and resealed it.. all cured.

 

[Vikdikdok]

Try some captain tolley leak sealer

Homepage

Penetrating sealant for repairing leaks from hairline cracks in the home, RV, car and boat. Dependable since 1986. - Find and Fix Leaks from Hairline Cracks -

captaintolley.com

 

[burtonwisher]

I had the same issues with my Apache.
The windows on mine are Seitz / Dometic S5.
On these windows the primary seal is a bead of non-setting mastic that sits between the frame and the outer wall of the van. There is then a rubber strip that runs around this and acts as a secondary seal.
In my case the mastic had failed and water was working its way in.
To sort it properly I needed to remove the outer window frame, clean it out, apply new non-setting mastic, new rubber seals, and refit.
2 of mine were leaking but I did all 6 to be safe.

 

[robnchris]

I had the same issues with my Apache.
The windows on mine are Seitz / Dometic S5.
On these windows the primary seal is a bead of non-setting mastic that sits between the frame and the outer wall of the van. There is then a rubber strip that runs around this and acts as a secondary seal.
In my case the mastic had failed and water was working its way in.
To sort it properly I needed to remove the outer window frame, clean it out, apply new non-setting mastic, new rubber seals, and refit.
2 of mine were leaking but I did all 6 to be safe.

It looks a big job that needs careful handling, How did you remove the window? mine looks like the water is getting in through the join in the plastic outer trim and then running down the back of the inner rubber seal.

 

[burtonwisher]

This applies to the Seitz / Dometic S4/S5 windows that are on my van (2010 Apache).... there should be a small identifier label in the corner of each window that'll show you the make and model. If yours are different then this may not apply....

The windows are a sandwich construction with the inner and outer frames joined together sandwiching the wall of the van.
Firtly remove the decorative 'mesh' panels from the inside frame. Behind them are the screws holding the inner and outer frames together.
With someone holding the outer frame in place to make sure it doesnt fall out, remove the screws. Depending on the sealant used previously the outer frame may need to be prised / pushed out carefully.
When removed, clean off old sealant, re-apply new non-setting mastic or W4 mastic sealing strip. New rubber seals optional depending on the condition of the old ones.
Then refit and screw it all back together.

It took 2 people about 2 hours per window for mine going carefully.

There may be a simpler fix but I decided it was best to go all-in to be 100% sure as I didn't want to run the risk of potential damp issues later on.

If your windows are a different make / model then share the details or a photo....

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[andyminty]

Just noticed whilst sat in rainy North Wales one of our window seals is leaking from the top, can't see any damage to the seal nor anyway to pull the window tighter to the seal.
Any ideas on why this would just start to leak, where can I get a new window seal from?
It's an Autotrail Apache.
Thanks in anticipation of an easy fix. Just watching it leak and closer inspection reveals the water is leaking through were the seal joins the window frame and not the window, so I guess I might be able to peel back the seal from the widow frame and reseal.

Hello.
See attached photo, 3 of the Seitz S7P windows on my Knaus developed a leak between the seal and the alloy frame. The seal has some none setting gunk applied but only in patches (I suspect it should be a continues bead). I removed the latch keepers and pulled off the seal, then applied some thick clear silicon grease to the ridge on the window frame, then put the rubber seal back on. This fixed the leak, unsure as to the longevity of the fix but at least I now know the problem. Hope this might help.

 

[Dave7]

Ours did that just after it had been washed and I’d used a pressure cleaner
I wiped the seal clean and used silicone grease and it was ok